What is Chimichurri Sauce?
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
As a spicy marinade and dipping sauce that is often served with grilled meat, chimichurri sauce is a popular offering in many Latin and South American countries, with both Argentina and the Dominican Republic claiming to be the country of origin for this tasty sauce. Easy to prepare and use, it is beginning to make an impact in North America as well.
The basic ingredients for chimichurri sauce can be purchased in any local supermarket. Using olive oil as the basic medium, lemon juice and minced fresh parsley are first added to the oil. Garlic cloves and shallots are also minced and added. Different recipes also call for the addition of salt and pepper, as well as basil, thyme or oregano, and some people prefer to add all of the spices for some extra zip. Once all the ingredients are combined, the cook should either mix the ingredients well or seal the mixture in an airtight container and shake it thoroughly.
Chimichurri sauce should be allowed to set for a minimum of two hours before being served along with grilled meats. If it is to be used as a marinade, the cook should allow it to set overnight. This spicy sauce can be used as a dipping sauce for steak, or used as a glaze on grilled ground beef, creating a chimichurri burger. It can be used as a glaze on grilled fish and chicken.
Many people enjoy the sauce as an appetizer, served with chunks of crusty bread that can be dipped into it. People who enjoy garlic bread or pumpernickel may find that using chimichurri as a dipping sauce with fresh hot loaves is a great way to start off the meal.
There are some recipes that call for using chimichurri sauce as a marinade for various types of beans as well. One easy recipe calls for whole green beans, chickpeas, and dark red kidney beans, with the three beans cooked and tossed lightly in the chilled sauce, then allowed to chill for an hour or two. This three-bean salad can be served as a compliment to grilled meat as a side dish, or served on a bed of greens as the salad course for the meal.
The sauce can easily be prepared well in advance, and kept in the refrigerator for a week or so. One great advantage of chimichurri is that the longer it is allowed to set, the greater the flavor. As the ingredients have time to mingle, the taste will only improve.
Malcolm Tatum
After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including DelightedCooking, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.
Malcolm Tatum
After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including DelightedCooking, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.
AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
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![Chimichurri sauce can be used as a glaze, a dip and a marinade.]()
By: ShakzuChimichurri sauce can be used as a glaze, a dip and a marinade. -
![Olive oil, which can be used to make chimichurri sauce.]()
By: grekoffOlive oil, which can be used to make chimichurri sauce. -
![Chimichurri sauce often includes minced shallots.]()
Chimichurri sauce often includes minced shallots. -
![Chickpeas are often included in chimichurri sauce.]()
Chickpeas are often included in chimichurri sauce. -
![Garlic is minced and added to chimichurri sauce.]()
By: SchliernerGarlic is minced and added to chimichurri sauce. -
![Parsley is often used to make chimichurri.]()
By: Barbara PhebyParsley is often used to make chimichurri. -
![Chimichurri usually includes chopped fresh oregano.]()
By: TaigaChimichurri usually includes chopped fresh oregano.
Discussion Comments
@alex94: I think that it’s just a matter of personal preference and it might even depend on what you are serving it with. I mix mine up in a food processor. I use a cup of parsley, ¼ cup oregano leaves (or cilantro), ½ cup olive oil, ¼ cup red wine vinegar, 3 cloves garlic, 1 tsp. red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp. ground cumin, 1 Tbsp. shallot (minced), and salt to taste.
Right before time to serve it, I put all of the ingredients in my food processor and process until smooth. The sauce is then served at room temperature.
I have heard of some people mixing their chimichurri sauce in a blender. Does it matter which way you mix it?
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